How to Get Serbian Citizenship by Exception

What do Johnny Depp, Steven Seagal and Ralph Fiennes have in common? 

Well, apart from the obvious fact that they are all famous actors, each of them has been granted honorary Serbian citizenship. 

However, you don’t need to be a Hollywood star or a wealthy athlete to join this exclusive club. If you can demonstrate that your skills, business or job can benefit Serbia, you may also be eligible for Serbian citizenship by exception.

A Serbian passport grants access to 135 countries, including China and Russia, either without a visa, through a visa on arrival or via an eTA (electronic Travel Authorisation).

Apart from anything else, Serbia is one of the best countries for having a Plan-B second citizenship.

Strategically located in Europe’s southeastern region, Serbia shares a border with Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Croatia and Montenegro.  Its capital, Belgrade, is one of the world’s oldest cities and is surrounded by diverse landscapes, from the Dinaric Alps to the Carpathian forests, all adding to Serbia’s allure.

Serbia’s unique position, balancing Eastern traditions and Western aspirations (including its bid for European Union membership), makes it a compelling choice for global citizens and a distinctive pathway worth considering.

Let us guide you through everything there is to know about obtaining Serbian citizenship.

The Benefits of Living in Serbia

Serbia’s combination of corporate tax advantages, high quality of life and strategic location makes it an attractive destination for high-net-worth individuals. Its many benefits include:

Tax advantages

With one of Europe’s lowest corporate tax rates at 15%, Serbia provides an ideal environment for establishing and growing businesses.

Personal income tax rates are also competitive, with flat tax rates ranging from 10% to 20% based on your income. There are numerous tax incentives for foreign investors, including tax holidays and exemptions in specific sectors. 

The Serbian government’s commitment to economic reforms and investment-friendly policies adds even more allure to the country’s business landscape, making it a prime location for thriving enterprises.

Quality of life

Despite its burgeoning economy, Serbia remains one of the most cost-effective countries in Europe. High-net-worth individuals can enjoy a luxurious lifestyle at a fraction of the cost compared to Western Europe. 

Belgrade offers everything from top-tier restaurants and international schools to world-class healthcare facilities. Beyond Belgrade, the picturesque countryside and historical towns provide a retreat from urban life.

Strategic location

Serbia’s strategic geographical position means it’s a gateway between Eastern and Western Europe. 

With its well-developed transportation infrastructure, including multiple international airports and extensive road and rail networks, Serbia’s position means travelling within Europe and beyond is convenient and efficient. 

Furthermore, holding Serbian citizenship grants visa-free, visa-on-arrival or eTA (electronic Travel Authorisation) access to 135 countries, including key markets like China and Russia.

What is Serbian Citizenship by Exception?

There are multiple ways to obtain a second citizenship in Serbia. The most popular options include citizenship by naturalisation, birth, marriage descent and investment. 

One frequently overlooked and misunderstood option is citizenship by exception (CBE). Serbian Citizenship by Exception allows individuals to obtain citizenship based on their exceptional contributions to the country. 

Serbian CBE means you’re approved directly by the current president and the government. So, unlike the usual routes to obtain citizenship where some degree of right exists, discretion over the final decision to approve someone’s citizenship is based purely on a subjective view of whether it will benefit the country.

When considering how to use CBE to gain a Serbian passport, it’s important to understand the five categories under which you may qualify:

• Business: Entrepreneurs who establish successful businesses, generate significant economic activity, or create substantial employment opportunities in Serbia.
• Technology: Innovators and experts in fields like IT, telecommunications and engineering who contribute to technological advancements and infrastructure developments within the country.
• Science: Distinguished scientists and researchers whose work has had a profound impact on their field, particularly those whose expertise aligns with Serbia’s research and development priorities.
• Sports: Athletes and coaches who have achieved notable success in their sporting disciplines and can contribute to Serbia’s sports programs and international reputation.
• Culture: Artists, musicians, writers and cultural figures who have made significant contributions to the arts and can enrich Serbia’s cultural landscape.

While these categories are broad, successfully applying for CBE here generally requires unique achievements, skills or professional experience relevant to Serbia’s interests. 

Just as starting a business in Serbia and bringing in investment and jobs is a critical measure of achieving CBE, having a unique skillset or expertise in a profession with a high impact on the Serbian market will also be valued highly by the authorities. 

The Serbian government aims to attract individuals who can enrich society and bring unique talents or skills to benefit its people. By doing so, the Republic of Serbia offers foreign nationals the full rights conferred on Serbian citizens.

Application Process for Serbian Citizenship by Exception

The process of obtaining Serbian citizenship by exception is relatively straightforward and involves less paperwork than most other foreign citizenship applications.

While naturalisation typically requires three years of permanent residence, CBE can expedite this timeline if the state deems your contribution in its best interest. 

This means that your application could be processed within a few months without needing a permanent residence permit, proof of sufficient financial means or renunciation of your current citizenship.

However, to ensure timely approval, it’s important to ensure that all documents are well-presented, correctly formatted and translated to clearly demonstrate how your skills or business can benefit Serbia.

Step 1: First Visit to Belgrade

• Legal process initiation: Travel to Belgrade to start the legal process.
• Document notarisation: Meet with a lawyer to notarise your documents, especially if opening a company in Serbia.

Step 2: Application Submission

• Company formation (if applicable): Submit your business formation documents electronically to the Agency for Business Registers. Then, open a local bank account.
• Application submission: The lawyer submits your citizenship application to the Serbian police authority.

Step 3: Review and Decision

• Police review: The police authority reviews your application and forwards it to the Serbian Ministry.
• Final decision: The Serbia government and president make the final decision on your application.

Step 4: Second Visit to Belgrade

• Approval and collection: If approved, return to Belgrade to collect your passport and ID card. Expect to spend about 13 business days in total over both visits.

The required documents to successfully complete your application include the following:

• Original birth certificate or certified copy as proof of your birth and identity
• A verified copy of your current passport
• A police clearance letter from your home country certifying no criminal record
• A detailed CV/resume or a comprehensive business plan demonstrating your qualifications and intentions
• Incorporation documents (if applicable) relating to the formation of your business in Serbia.

CBE and Taxes in Serbia

Acquiring citizenship by exception in the Republic of Serbia does not automatically require you to pay taxes there. So, you won’t be taxed if you live in Serbia but are careful to avoid triggering tax residence. 

However, if you spend at least 183 days a year or own a home or business there, you will be considered a tax resident.

If you trigger tax residency in Serbia, expect to pay taxes there on your worldwide income. 

That said, Serbia has some of the lowest tax rates in Europe. The corporate tax rate is 15%, while personal income tax ranges between 10% and 20% based on the type of income. There are no wealth taxes. 

Serbia also has tax treaties with over 60 countries so, if you come from a tax treaty country, you will avoid being taxed twice.

Overall, Serbia has a favourable business environment that does not impose restrictions on foreign business ownership or hiring local workers. 

How to Get Serbian Citizenship by Exception: FAQs

Is Serbian Citizenship the Perfect Plan B Citizenship?

Whether as part of a plan to go where you’re treated best by living in different places throughout the year or as a backup country to relocate to, Serbian citizenship is a fantastic option. 

The country’s strategic location, favourable tax environment, along with abundant business and travel opportunities make it an ideal country to consider for your second citizenship.

Show that, upon becoming a citizen, you will promote the nation, assist it financially or bring your unique attributes and Serbia will welcome you with open arms.  

And while the decision on your citizenship application remains at the government’s discretion, the exception can be the rule in this case. 

However, if you’re considering Serbian citizenship, you’ll have to plan it properly because the process requires extensive local knowledge. 

That’s where Nomad Capitalist can help. We help seven- and eight-figure entrepreneurs and investors create a bespoke strategy using our uniquely successful methods. 

We’ll help you keep more of your own money, create new wealth faster and be protected from whatever the future holds in just a few steps. 

Our network of lawyers, estate agents, accountants and tax and company formation specialists is based around the world and all that expertise and real-world experience come together when we advise you on how to construct your bespoke action plan. 

Discover how we do things here.